Black American Nonfiction
Enjoy these nonfiction titles by African American authors published within the last two years and selected by librarians at The Seattle Public Library. Annotations from review sources, as cited. (January 2025)
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Black Women Taught Us
[T]his “intimate history” ably highlights the longstanding importance and contemporary relevance of Black feminism, as well as the challenges that remain in having its voices heard and acted upon properly. Galvanizing appraisals of Black women’s enduring search for freedom. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Lovely One
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson writes about her life, following her family's experience with segregation through her history-making appointment to the court. (Library Journal)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Black Folk
Historian Kelley delivers a poignant and celebratory chronicle of Black labor movements in America. Full of persuasive insights into Black working-class life and the legacy of communal care spearheaded by Black women, this is a powerful reimagining of the history of labor in the U.S. (Publishers Weekly)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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The Body Liberation Project
King's book is a guide to moving past body positivity and acceptance into body liberation, a concept that explores the connection between body shaming, racism, and white supremacy. (Library Journal)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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How to Live Free in A Dangerous World
A nonbinary, disabled, Black writer describes how travel has informed their journey to liberation. Lawson is a gifted chronicler not only of their own personal revolution, but also of the power structures that affect their place in the world. A stunning essay collection about travel, mortality, and liberation. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Night Flyer
A keen investigation of Harriet Tubman through a womanist lens. ... National Book Award winner Miles chronicles and contextualizes Tubman’s work to lead enslaved people to freedom in the North, spotlighting her subject’s spiritual conviction and naturalistic know-how. A notable, discerning contribution to the understanding of an American legend. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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For the Culture
Writer and pastry chef Miller ... celebrates Black women and femmes in food-related fields—farmers, activists, chefs, celebrities— with this book of recipes and interviews. (Booklist)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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High and Rising
Music critic Moore presents a captivating biography of the influential rap/hip-hop trio De La Soul while tracing hip-hop’s origins and mapping rap’s evolution over time. (Booklist)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Be A Revolution
\[A]an eye-opening and galvanizing look at the current state of anti-racist activism across America. (NoveList)
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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I Just Keep Talking
The distinguished academic offers astute perspectives on America, past and present. Painter complements her essays with her artwork. A vibrant, insightful collection from an indispensable voice. (Kirkus)
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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